Blockchain-based control of device access in cyber-physical systems

As a result of the recent success of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the underlying blockchain technology has been applied to numerous new application domains in various industries. Many expect this technology to be a key enabler of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) applications, with a special emphasis on the Internet of Things (IoT). This thesis reviews the state of the art of both blockchain and CPS technologies and discusses the design and implementation of the Device Rental System.

The Device Rental System is a platform combining blockchain and CPS technologies that enables users to sell access to their CPS devices on the Ethereum platform, with a special emphasis on the time-limited, exclusive access pattern. As part of the access control mechanism, a Diffie-Hellman-based on-chain key exchange protocol is presented. Furthermore, a novel, UML-based method of developing Ethereum smart contracts on the blockchain is discussed, with which developers can avoid many of the pitfalls and challenges of smart contract programming.